PATRICK ROLANDS, 44, AUTO WORKER, ST. CHARLES, MO

“At the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, MO, I’d long wanted to capture this Eurasian eagle owl, with its bright eyes against its neutral feathers. But it always turned away when people came near. So I was excited when it hopped up to the fence and looked at me—and I was ready to get the shot I’d hoped for.” (rolandsphotoart.zenfolio.com)
TECH SPECS: Tripod-mounted Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and 75–300mm f/4–5.6 Canon EF lens; 1/40 sec, f/18, ISO 400. RAW converted in Adobe Photoshop CS5.